A partner visa application is not just about proving that two people love each other. It is about proving that the relationship meets the legal and evidentiary requirements expected by the Department.

Australia offers partner visa options for spouses and de facto partners of Australian citizens, Australian permanent residents and eligible New Zealand citizens.

But the success of a partner visa application depends heavily on evidence.

What Relationship Evidence Should Show

The evidence should show that the relationship is genuine, continuing and properly supported.

Common areas include:

• Relationship history
• Financial commitment
• Household arrangements
• Social recognition
• Nature of commitment
• Communication history
• Future plans

Relationship Statement

Both partners should usually prepare a clear relationship statement explaining:

• How they met
• How the relationship developed
• Important milestones
• Living arrangements
• Financial support
• Family involvement
• Future plans

The statement should sound personal and real, not copied from a template.

Financial Evidence

Financial documents may include:

• Joint bank accounts
• Shared bills
• Rent agreements
• Money transfers
• Joint purchases
• Shared insurance
• Travel bookings
• Evidence of financial support

Not every couple will have all these documents. The aim is to explain the real nature of the relationship with available evidence.

Social Evidence

Social proof may include:

• Photos with family and friends
• Invitations
• Travel photos
• Messages from relatives
• Social media evidence
• Statements from people who know the couple

Form 888 is commonly used as a supporting statement in relation to a partner or prospective marriage visa application, and the person completing it may need to provide evidence of identity and status.

Household Evidence

For couples living together, evidence may include:

• Lease agreement
• Utility bills
• Mail at the same address
• Shared household expenses
• Delivery records
• Government or bank correspondence

Final Word

A partner visa file should tell a consistent relationship story through documents, statements and supporting evidence. It should not be a random folder of photos and bills.